Section 18

If, in the opinion of the Director, a building is so overcrowded as to expose its occupants to the risk of infection by an infectious disease, the Director may, by written notice, direct the owner or occupier of the building to abate the overcrowding or to close the building or part of the building within the time specified in the notice.

Any owner or occupier who fails to comply with a notice given to the owner or occupier by the Director under subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence.

When a building or any part of the building has been directed to be closed under subsection (1), any person who enters the building or any part of it without the permission of the Director shall be guilty of an offence.

Without affecting any proceedings under subsection (2), where a notice issued by the Director under subsection (1) has not been complied with, the Director, a Health Officer or a police officer may, without warrant and with such force as may be necessary, enter the building and take or cause to be taken such measures as are necessary to abate the overcrowding or to close the building or any part of the building, as specified in the notice.

The costs and expenses incurred by the Director or a Health Officer under subsection (4) must be paid by the owner or occupier in default and may be recovered as a debt due to the Government.

Any person who is aggrieved by any direction of the Director as contained in a notice given to the person under subsection (1) may, within 7 days from the date of the notice, appeal to the appropriate Minister whose decision is final.

Even though an appeal under subsection (6) is pending, a notice issued by the Director under subsection (1) takes effect from the date specified by the Director, unless the appropriate Minister otherwise directs.